After 12 years of guiding thousands of people of hiking and backpacking trips, we have learned a things or two about people and the great outdoors. And what a better way to share our knowledge than through the gear you use when going out into the backcountry. We know what works and what doesn't - we are out there using much of the gear we sell. We know what beginner hikers need and seasoned hikers want. And we are here to give you the advice you need - even if it is a little tough love on occasion. Things like, "You walk the dog 3 days a week for 30 minutes each day and you're planning to hike Rim to Rim of Grand Canyon because it's on your bucket list? Great idea if dying is on your bucket list as well!"